Assistant Professor, Social Work

Whitworth University • Whitworth University Campus, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Whitworth University seeks two full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professors of Social Work for its Master of Social Work (MSW) program, which is housed in the School of Health Sciences and will enroll its inaugural cohort in fall 2027. The positions begin July 1, 2027. Faculty teach across the generalist and specialized practice sequences, advise and mentor students, and contribute to curriculum development, competency-based assessment, and accreditation documentation. The work supports Whitworth’s Christian educational mission and its commitment to preparing students to serve humanity.

The appointment is for the nine-month academic year, covering fall semester, Jan Term, and spring semester, with a standard teaching load of 21 credits per year. Instruction is primarily in person on the Spokane campus, with select courses offered online. The faculty member may teach afternoon and evening courses and periodically travel to field agency sites and community partners in the Spokane region. Because the program is newly established, responsibilities may include program-launch work, and the distribution of duties may shift by agreement with the program director as the program develops and pursues initial accreditation.

Faculty teach skills-based social work practice courses and prepare course materials, learning activities, and assessments aligned with the nine CSWE 2022 EPAS competencies. They advise and mentor students, support field preparation, participate in admissions activities, and contribute to assessment, accreditation, scholarship, professional development, and service. Areas of curricular interest include clinical social work, mental health assessment and intervention, substance use disorders, medical social work, health policy and advocacy, integrated behavioral health, community mental health, trauma-informed practice, research and program evaluation, human behavior and development, social work ethics, and faith-integrated practice.

The university seeks candidates with an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and a doctoral degree in social work or a closely related field; ABD applicants with a plan to complete the degree by fall 2027 will be considered. Candidates must have at least two years of post-MSW professional social work practice experience, experience teaching, training, supervising, or mentoring in social work or a related human-services context, and a commitment to ethical, culturally responsive practice and education. A personal commitment to Christian faith and willingness to engage with Whitworth’s mission and integrate faith into work are also expected.

The salary range is $59,572 to $63,718 for the nine-month term, commensurate with credited service. The minimum salary increases by 1.75% for each year of service at the assistant professor rank. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the positions are filled. Applicants are asked to submit a letter of interest, CV, evidence of teaching effectiveness, faith statement, and contact information for at least three professional references. A background check and sexual misconduct check are required of the successful candidate. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain authorization throughout employment; visa sponsorship is not offered.

Requirements

• Earned MSW from a CSWE-accredited program.
• Earned doctoral degree (DSW, Ph.D. in Social Work, or a closely related field); ABD applicants with a plan to complete the degree by fall 2027 will be considered.
• At least two years of post-MSW professional social work practice experience.
• Demonstrated competence in at least one social work practice area relevant to healthcare, behavioral health, or a related field.
• Experience teaching, training, supervising, or mentoring in social work or a closely related human-services context.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical, culturally responsive practice and education consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Faculty teaching clinical practice content are expected to maintain current working knowledge of Washington state social work licensure standards.
• Personal commitment to the Christian faith and integration of faith and learning.
• Commitment to Whitworth University’s educational mission as a comprehensive Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout employment; visa sponsorship is not offered.
• Submit a letter of interest, CV, evidence of teaching effectiveness, faith statement, and contact information for at least three professional references.
• Successful candidate must pass a background check and sexual misconduct check.

Nice To Haves

• Licensure as a clinical social worker (LCSW, LICSW, or state equivalent), or eligibility for licensure in Washington state.
• Experience teaching in a CSWE-accredited BSW or MSW program.
• Familiarity with the CSWE 2022 EPAS and competency-based social work education.
• Experience with online or hybrid instructional design and delivery.
• Record of scholarly activity, applied research, or professional publication.
• Established or emerging relationships with healthcare and behavioral health agencies in the Inland Northwest region.
• Expertise spanning more than one curricular area, or teaching interests crossing the generalist and specialized practice sequences.

Responsibilities

• Teach 21 credits per academic year across fall semester, Jan Term, and spring semester in the generalist first-year and specialized second-year sequences.
• Prepare and deliver in-person instruction in skills-based practice courses and online instruction for courses designated for that format.
• Design course materials, learning activities, and graded assignments that address the nine CSWE 2022 EPAS competencies and integrate evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practice frameworks.
• Evaluate student work and provide timely, constructive feedback aligned with published program learning outcomes.
• Maintain regular office hours and respond to student inquiries within timeframes established in the MSW Student Handbook.
• Revise courses in response to course evaluations, assessment data, and changes in practice standards.
• Advise assigned MSW students on course sequencing, degree progress, and part-time and full-time pathway planning.
• Mentor students in professional identity development, licensure preparation, and career planning in healthcare and behavioral health settings.
• Support students preparing for and succeeding in field placements in partnership with the field director.
• Identify and document academic or professional performance concerns and implement program review procedures.
• Participate in admissions review and applicant interviews as assigned.
• Write letters of reference and support students with scholarship, conference, and employment applications.
• Contribute to MSW curriculum design, review, and revision, including syllabi, course sequencing, and electives.
• Develop and score competency-based assessments, including assignment prompts and rubrics aligned with CSWE competencies and behaviors.
• Collect, enter, and analyze assessment data; participate in annual program-outcome review and contribute to resulting curriculum and program changes.
• Draft and review narrative and evidence for CSWE benchmark documents, site visits, reaffirmation, and NWCCU institutional reporting.
• Maintain working knowledge of CSWE 2022 EPAS and accreditation policies governing the program’s candidacy and accreditation status.
• Maintain an active professional identity through scholarship, applied research, practice engagement, or professional publication, consistent with faculty-handbook expectations for rank and tenure.
• Pursue relevant professional development, including continuing education required to maintain any professional license held.
• Present at regional or national professional conferences and participate in professional associations such as NASW and CSWE.
• Involve MSW students in research, program evaluation, and scholarly projects where appropriate.
• Stay current with social work practice, licensure regulation, and behavioral health policy developments relevant to the curriculum.
• Participate in MSW program meetings, retreats, and governance, and in School of Health Sciences and university governance, committees, and assemblies.
• Represent the MSW program at recruitment events, open houses, and information sessions.
• Build and sustain working relationships with healthcare and behavioral health agencies, field instructors, and community stakeholders in the Inland Northwest.
• Contribute to practice-community advisory structures that gather input from employers and practitioners.
• Serve the profession through peer review, board service, volunteer practice, or continuing-education delivery as opportunity allows.
• Perform other duties assigned by the MSW program director or the dean of the School of Health Sciences, including program-launch tasks.

Benefits

• Salary of $59,572 to $63,718 for the nine-month term, commensurate with credited service; the minimum increases by 1.75% for each year of service at assistant professor rank.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree